From 2024 to 25, the Cavaliers went 64-18. This is the second-best regular season record in franchise history. Only behind the 2008-09 Cavs, which became 66-16.
As the number one seed in the East, Cleveland cleaned up the heat in the first round of the playoffs. Since then they have dropped two straight on to the Indiana Pacers. The Cavs lost several key players in Game 2 on Tuesday. Ahead of Game 3 on Friday, Cleveland managed to get some reinforcements. Head coach Kenny Atkinson said Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter were about to play Game 3.
Will the Cavaliers have the opportunity to make a comeback in this series?
Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Deandle Hunter try to play in Game 3 https://t.co/9k2witjduq
-realgm (@Realgm) May 9, 2025
Against the Pacers in Game 2, the Cavaliers didn’t have Darius Garland, Evan Mobley or DeAndre Hunter. Without the three key players, Cleveland still built a 20-point lead. However, the Pacers did not stop the fight and returned to the game. Down 119-116, Tyrees Halliburton made the first free throw and missed the second. He grabbed the rebound and hit a stepback 3-pointer for a 120-119 victory with the Cavaliers.
It was a spectacular loss for Cleveland. Cleveland has dropped 2-0 in this series. In Game 3, they’re on the streets with the Pacers. However, Cavs are expected to get some help. Coach Kenny Atkinson said Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and DeAndre Hunter were all involved in the team’s walkthrough. Atkinson said they “want the best.” At this point in the series, Cleveland will need a full lineup to make a comeback.
There’s a realistic chance that Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and De’andre Hunter will all be back in Game 3. Mobley and Hunter have only missed one game this postseason. Darius Garland missed four straight games with a toe injury. Prior to Game 2, Garland was able to jog on the treadmill, but was not available in that game. Two days of rest allowed Garland to return to Game 3 on Friday. To get a comeback opportunity, the Cavaliers will need to win Game 3.